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BORN
1925
DIED
2024
Stuart Poel Obituary
Stuart Poel, age 99, died peacefully at home after a short illness on December 22, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born December 9, 1925, to the late J. Nyhof and Christine (Bonema) Poel.
Stu attended Hope College for a semester before enlisting in the Army Air Corps, where he proudly served in World War II. After the war, he finished his math degree at Western Michigan College. He married Arlene Wentland on August 28, 1954, in Portage, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on January 4, 2000.
Stu was an accountant before retiring and was a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities. He enjoyed living on Lake Michigan. Some of his favorite pastimes included enjoying the beach, sunsets, tending to his garden and his beloved hydrangeas, feeding the birds, traveling and listening to jazz music.
He is survived by his brother Richard, sons Greg (Barb), Jeff (Akiko) and Chris (Sachiko) and daughters Lori and Bette Jo (Ken) Chudy, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on January 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Legion Post 28. Stu was a member there for 77 years.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice or the West Michigan Jazz Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stuart Poel
Bette DelVecchio
January 17, 2025
Lori,
Even though I´d never met your dad, it was easy to tell how much you loved each other.
I´m truly sad for you and with that when you miss your dad a happy memories pops up to sooth you. Love you girl, hope to see you soon. Bette DelVecchio
Joseph/Joseph's Hair Studio
January 11, 2025
Goodbye my old friend I remember many conversations about your love of Airplane's and your family and friends as I cut your hair,you will be missed and fondly remembered,
Robin Spring
January 11, 2025
I have such fond memories~Your dad was a kind and wonderful man. I know you loved him so much. Thinking of you all, especially Lori.
Judi Balogh Berggren
January 10, 2025
I remember years ago he was in Lori´s roof helping cut down branches.
Jan Basham
January 9, 2025
I'll miss my friend at jazz events which we shared the love of for many years, a great guy.
Amy
January 8, 2025
My memories are distant, but still fond... one of my favorites was my introduction to boiled shrimp night at the kitchen table.
Fare thee well, Stu, with love.
Julie Hall
January 8, 2025
Lori and family...sending hugs from the Jon Hall family!
SarahJane Essebagers
January 8, 2025
Stu may you rest in peace, 99 years on this earth wow!! I knew his parents, Dick and Stu- all my life. What a blessing to the community they were. May God give His peace and love the entire family.
Thelma Oosterbaan
January 8, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss!He was such a classy guy.
Chris
January 7, 2025
I´m so glad I got to see you in November to say goodbye. The last thing you told me when we video chatted the night before you died was, "You´d better shave. They don´t like long beards over there." I´ll take those words to my grave.
Love you, Dad.
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